Video Premiere: Metallica Gives a Glimpse Into Their Major-Label Jump in New Documentary

Directed by Drew Stone and produced by Michael Alex, the new documentary Who The F**k is That Guy? chronicles the life of Michael Alago, a cherished New York City icon who went on to shape and reinvent the world’s musical landscape — first as a 19-year-old talent booker at the legendary Ritz nightclub in New York City and then as an A&R exec who signed and worked with a variety of notable artists including White Zombie, Nina Simone, John Lydon ,and Cyndi Lauper.

He also made history as a 24 year-old A&R exec, signing the biggest metal band in a generation — Metallica. In this exclusive clip from the film, Metallica’s James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett discuss the value of Alago’s guidance as they made the leap from independent band to major-label powerhouse, all the while managing to keep their artistic integrity and keep their career moving forward on their own terms.

Alago himself eventualy succumbed to the excesses of the entertainment world, falling into addiction, but then pulled himself out and created a new successful career as an art photographer.

XLrator Media will releaseWho The F**k is That Guy? in theaters on July 21, and on VOD and iTunes July 25.